The Atlanta Falcons will have strong interest in running back Justin Forsett if he hits the free-agent market, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
Forsett, who turns 30 in November, rushed for a career-high 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns for the Baltimore Ravens this past season while replacing the suspended Ray Rice. Forsett made a modest $730,000 while playing on a one-year contract.
Forsett does have a tie to the new coaching staff. He played four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and overlapped with new Falcons coach Dan Quinn when Quinn was the Seahawks’ assistant head coach in charge of the defensive line. Forsett developed a strong reputation for being respected in the locker room. He also was Marshawn Lynch's roommate in college at Cal.
The Falcons want to upgrade the running back position, with aging veteran Steven Jackson expected to be released. The team has yet to talk to Jackson about his status because he was traveling.